2029 Watchlist Pins Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have started the 2029 watchlist! First off, many more names will be added as the club season progresses. The players on the current list have made it for a handful of reasons: Strong freshman seasons on the varsity level, postseason recognition, involvement with the national pipeline, and 14s club impact. Today, we take a look at some of the pins you'll want to get to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='774309' first='Lana' last='Bakrac'] – 5'9 OH/RS – Oakville / [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does a little bit of everything and does it with swagger. Bakrac brings a live arm from both pins, thrives in out-of-system rallies, and isn't afraid to tool a block. Thunder kids usually grow into six-rotation studs; we'll see if she's following that pattern. She had 204 kills in her freshman campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897287' first='Harper' last='Bell'] – 5'8 OH – Blue Eye</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell brings Blue Eye some edge on the pins. Plays bigger than her height and is a natural competitor who attacks tight sets with confidence. She tallied over 400 kills in year one!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909865' first='Hannah' last='Blacklock'] – RS – Northland Christian</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A physical opposite, Blacklock is a player to watch. She has the length and tools to have an impactful club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='747598' first='Maren' last='Daugherty'] – 5'9 OH – Lee's Summit / PVA</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smooth approach, smart shot selection, and the ability to score from both front and back row. PVA has always had a program that prides itself on skill development. Daugherty already plays with club-season poise and should turn heads this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897291' first='Kylee' last='Donahue'] – 5'11 OH – Incarnate Word</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An IWA pin with upside is always a name to watch. Donahue hits a heavy, disciplined ball and has the physical presence to become a true go-to option as she matures. She averaged 2.5 kills per set, totaling just under 300 on the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='793164' first='Summer' last='Fogel'] – 6'0 OH/DS/L – Belton</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most intriguing hybrids on the watchlist. A six-foot outside who can also pass and defend? Fogel, like many Belton players, has a strong beach background, which plays a big role in her strong ball control. Fogel was a key component on a strong Belton team with 165 kills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897210' first='Olivia' last='Heine'] – 5'9 RS/OH – Holt</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High-energy attacker who loves transition swings. She had a good freshman year with over 100 kills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='897295' first='Hadyn' last='Howie'] – 5'8 OH – Northland Christian</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pure vertical and athleticism. Howie jumps out of the gym and can score even when out of rhythm. In her freshman year, she contributed to a Class 1 playoff team, adding 235 kills and over 100 digs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='557372' first='Piper' last='Hudson'] – 5'11 RS/OH – Oak Grove / KC [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last='']</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>KC [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last='']'s pipeline always produces physical athletes, and Hudson fits the mold. [program_tooltip program_id='428794' first='Power' last='']ful arm, great blocking presence, and a dangerous back-row attack. Oak Grove had a magical season, carrying an undefeated record into the final four. Hudson earned all-state honors along the way, rare for a freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909842' first='Kayden' last='Kim'] – S/RS – Central Cape</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rare setter-opposite hybrid. Kim can run tempo AND attack mismatches, adding huge value in 5-1 or 6-2 systems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909833' first='Natalie' last='Hope'] – OH – Nevada</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A fierce competitor with a “give me the ball” mentality. High-contact, smart placement, and efficient in clutch moments. 313 kills in her debut high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884116' first='Saylor' last='Lynch'] – 5'9 OH/RS – St. Michael / MAVS 816</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lynch is an all-around weapon — terminal swings mixed with reliable serve-receive. MAVS kids are known for gritty ball control, and she exemplifies it. In her first year, she helped lead St. Michael to a state title with 168 kills on the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->